Dermopharmaceutically and cosmetically active oligopeptides

ABSTRACT

Oligopeptides and derivatives thereof, peptide analogs and derivatives thereof as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts of these compounds, which correspond to general formula (I)  
                 
wherein 
     R 1  represents H, —C(O)—R 7 , —SO 2 —R 7 , —C(O)—OR 7  or —C(O)—N(R 7 ) 2      R 2  represents, independent of one another, H or —(C 1 -C 4 )-alkyl,    R 3  and R 6  represent, independent of one another, —(CH 2 ) q —N(R 1 )R 8      R 4  and R 5  represent, independent of one another, —CH 2 —OR 2 , —CH(CH 3 )OR 8  or —CH 2 —CH 2 —OR 8      R 7  represents hydrogen, optionally substituted (C 1 -C 19 )-alkyl; optionally substituted (C 1 -C 19 )-alkenyl; phenyl-(C 1 -C 4 )-alkyl whose phenyl radical is optionally substituted with amino in the para position    R 8  represents H, —(C 1 -C 4 )-alkyl, —C(O)—R 7 , —C(O)—OR 7 , —C(O)—N(R 7 ) 2  or —SO 2 —R 7  X represents oxygen (—O—) or —NH—; or    XR 7 , with X=O, also represents the esters of α-tocopherol, tocotrienol or retinol or the carboxylic acid (with R 7 =H) m, n, p represent, independent of one another, zero or 1 and    q in R 3  and R 6  represent, independent of one another, an integer from 1 to 4, with the provision that the following conditions do not simultaneously occur: R 4 =—CH(CH 3 )—OH and R 5 =—CH(CH 3 )—OH and R 6 =—(CH 2 ) 4 —NH 2 ; dermopharmaceutically and/or cosmetically active compositions containing at least one compound of formula (I).

The present invention relates to pharmaceutically, dermopharmaceutically and cosmetically active oligopeptides, to derivatives thereof, to peptide analogs and derivatives thereof as well as to the use thereof in dermopharmaceutically and cosmetically active compositions.

The basic mechanism of skin aging is known to take place in the extracellular matrix, the so-called basal lamella, when situated at the intersection between epithelium and connective tissue. Regeneration of the extracellular matrix is highly important as it considerably influences the behaviour of those cells that are in contact with it, in particular their growth, migration, proliferation, form and functions. An age-related reduction of collagen synthesis by fibroblasts occurs in this extracellular matrix, the consequence of which being a reduced number of chemical substances secreted by these cells. As skin proteins consist by approx. 80% of collagen, already a small natural decrease of the collagen concentration in the tissue may have clear consequences on the mechanical and physiological properties of skin.

Katayama et al. (The Journal of Biological Chemistry, Vol. 268, No. 14, pages 9941-9944, 1993) found that the minimal subfragment sequence for stimulating collagen and fibronectin is represented by the pentapeptide Lys-Thr-Thr-Lys-Ser. Sequences with four amino acids or less have a slighter or no stimulating effect.

The European patent application WO 00/15188 describes the effect of the palmitoylated pentapeptide Palm-Lys-Thr-Thr-Lys-Ser as a component for treating skin aging, accelerating wound healing and improving skin moisturizing.

It has been found that selected, new oligopeptides and derivatives thereof as well as peptide analogs and derivatives thereof (in the following referred to as “compounds of the present invention”) are surprisingly highly pharmaceutically and/or cosmetically effective and are particularly appropriate for use in dermopharmaceutically and/or cosmetically effective compositions. The compounds of the present invention diffuse rapidly and in sufficient concentration through the cell membrane up to the intracellular site of action, where they lead to a clearly increased production of collagen and fibronectin. Thus, the compounds of the present invention exert a surprisingly positive and stimulating effect on the extracellular matrix which decisively influences the mechanical and physiological appearance of skin. In particular, the compounds of the present invention induce a much more rapid and stronger stimulation of collagen synthesis than known so far for other compounds from the state of the art. The quicker and stronger stimulation of collagen synthesis by the compounds of the present invention is probably the result of a synergic effect which is obtained by reduction of the molecular mass, introduction of N-methyl groups in amino acids and modification of amino acids with, e.g., fatty acid esters. However, the present invention is not bound to this explanation.

The present invention is defined in the claims and relates in particular to selected, new oligopeptides and derivatives thereof, peptide analogs and derivatives thereof, as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts of these compounds, thereby characterized that these compounds correspond to general formula (I)

wherein

-   R¹ represents H, —C(O)—R⁷, —SO₂—R⁷, —C(O)—OR⁷ or —C(O)—N(R⁷)₂, -   R² represents, independent of one another, H or —(C₁-C₄)-alkyl, -   R³, R⁶ represent, independent of one another, —(CH₂)_(q)—N(R¹)R⁸, -   R⁴, R⁵ represent, independent of one another, —CH₂—OR², —CH(CH₃)OR⁸     or —CH₂—CH₂—OR⁸, -   R⁷ represents hydrogen, (C₁-C₁₉)-alkyl optionally substituted once     or several times, independent of one another, with halogen, hydroxy,     carboxyl, amino, mercapto, 1,2-dithiolanyl, and/or sulfo; optionally     substituted (C₁-C₁₉)-alkenyl; phenyl-(C₁-C₄)-alkyl, whose phenyl     radical is optionally substituted with amino in the para position;     or -   R⁸ represents H, —(C₁-C₄)-alkyl, —C(O)—R⁷, —C(O)—OR⁷, —C(O)—N(R⁷)₂     or —SO₂—R⁷ -   X represents oxygen (—O—) or —NH—; or -   XR⁷, with X=O, also represents the esters of α-tocopherol,     tocotrienol or retinol or the carboxylic acid (with R⁷=H), -   m, n, p represent, independent of one another, zero or 1 and -   q in R³ and R⁶ represents, independent of one another, an integer     from 1 to 4, with the provision that the following conditions do not     simultaneously occur: R⁴=—CH(CH₃)—OH and R⁵=—CH(CH₃)—OH and     R⁶=—(CH₂)₄—NH₂.

Preferably, the following conditions do not simultaneously occur: R⁴=—CH₂—OH or —CH(CH₃)—OH and R⁵=—CH(CH₃)—OH and R⁶=—(CH₂)₄—NH₂. Preferably, the following conditions do not simultaneously occur: R²=H and R⁴=—CH₂—OH or —CH(CH₃)—OH and R⁵=—CH(CH₃)—OH and R⁶=—(CH₂)₄—NH₂.

The compounds of formula (I) comprise dipeptides, tripeptides, tetrapeptides and pentapeptides of the corresponding amino acids and derivatives thereof according to the definitions of R¹, R², R⁷ and R⁸, as well as corresponding peptide analogs.

The amino acid residues in general formula (I), which contain the substituents R³ or R⁶, are derived from lysine (Lys), ornithine (Orn), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab) or 2,3-diaminopropionic acid (Dap) and are residues of these amino acids or amino acid derivatives.

The amino acid residues in general formula (I), which contain the substituents R⁴ or R⁵, are derived from serine (Ser), threonine (Thr), homoserine [H₂N—CH((CH₂)₂—OH)COOH, (HSe)] and are residues of these amino acids or amino acid derivatives.

The following table shows from which amino acids the compounds of the above formula (I) are derived: R¹(N(R²)CH(R³)C(O) N(R²)CH(R⁴)C(O) N(R²)CH(R⁵)C(O) N(R²)CH(R⁶)C(O) N(R²)CH(R⁴)C(X)R⁷ derived from: derived from: derived from: derived from: derived from: Lysine (Lys) Serine (Ser) Serine (Ser) Lysine (Lys) Serine (Ser) Ornithine (Orn) Homoserine(HSe) Homoserine Ornithine (Orn) Homoserine (HSe) 2,4-Diaminobutyric Threonine (Thr) (HSe) 2,4-Diaminobutyric Threonine (Thr) acid (Dab) Threonine acid (Dab) 2,3-Diaminopropionic (Thr) 2,3-Diaminopropionic acid (Dap) acid (Dap)

The residue [R¹(N(R²)CH(R³)C(O)—] is preferably derived from lysine.

The residue [—N(R²)CH(R⁴)C(O)—] at position [—N(R²)CH(R⁴)C(O)—N(R²)CH(R⁵)C(O)—] is preferably derived from threonine.

The residue [—N(R²)CH(R⁵)C(O)—] is preferably derived from threonine.

The residue [—N(R²)CH(R⁶)C(O)—] is preferably derived from ornithine, 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab), and 2,3-diaminopropionic acid (Dap).

The terminal residue [—(N(R²)CH(R⁴)C(O)—XR⁷] is preferably derived from serine.

The compounds of formula (I) preferably contain the following sequences: Sequence 1: -Ser-Ser-Orn- Sequence 2: -Thr-Thr-Orn- Sequence 3: -Thr-Thr-Dab- Sequence 4: -Thr-Thr-Dap-

The compounds with the sequences -Ser-Ser-Orn-, Lys-Thr-Thr-Orn-Ser, Lys-Thr-Thr-Dab-Ser and Lys-Thr-Thr-Dab-Ser, as well as the sequences correspondingly derivatized with the substituents R¹, R², R⁷ and R⁸ are particularly preferred.

Further preferred polypeptides enclosed by formula (I) are mentioned in the text.

Preferred compounds of formula (I) are also those wherein m=zero, when n or p=zero.

The terms “peptides” and “oligopeptides” above all comprise naturally occurring amino acids, peptides and oligopeptides, respectively. Peptide analogs mean synthetically modified amino acids, peptides and oligopeptides, respectively, e.g. with a methyl group at the nitrogen atom (CH₃—N═). Derivatives within the present invention particularly mean amino acids, peptides and oligopeptides, respectively, the terminal amino group or carboxyl group of which has been further converted, e.g. wherein the terminal carboxyl group has been esterified.

The compounds of formula (I) are particularly appropriate as pharmaceutical, dermopharmaceutical and/or cosmetic active ingredients for the preparation of pharmaceutically, dermopharmaceutically and/or cosmetically active compositions, in particular for increasing the collagen and fibronectin production in human skin.

Moreover, the present invention relates to a method for preparing the compounds of the present invention and salts thereof and their use as pharmaceutical, dermopharmaceutical and/or cosmetic active ingredients, as well as pharmaceutically, dermopharmaceutically and/or cosmetically active compositions which contain at least one compound of the present invention.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of the compounds of the present invention for preparing a wound healing- and moisturizing-stimulating drug as well as to a method for delaying or treating skin aging, in particular the formation of wrinkles, which comprises applying a compound of the present invention and/or a composition of the present invention on the skin.

The above used, general terms are defined as follows:

Halogen means chlorine, bromine or iodine, preferably fluorine.

Alkyl, as a group per se or as a structural element of an alkoxy function, comprises linear as well as branched alkyl groups. Examples thereof are methyl, ethyl, propyl, n-butyl, n-pentyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, n-nonyl, n-undecanyl, n-dodecanyl, n-tridecanyl, n-hexadecanyl, n-heptadecanyl, n-octadecanyl or n-nonadecanyl as unbranched residues and isopropyl, tert.butyl, isobutyl, sec.butyl, isoamyl as branched residues. R² and/or R⁸ as alkyl preferably means methyl, ethyl and propyl, preferably methyl. If R⁷ as a part of R¹ means or contains an alkyl residue, it preferably represents alkyl with 8 to 22 C atoms, preferably with 14 to 17 C atoms. If XR⁷ contains an alkyl residue, it preferably means alkyl with 1 to 22 C atoms, preferably with 1 to 4 C atoms.

Alkenyl has the denotation of a mono- or poly-unsaturated, optionally substituted alkyl group, such as e.g. 8(Z)-heptadecenyl, 8(Z),11(Z)-heptadecadienyl, 4(Z),7(Z),10(Z), 13(Z)-nonadecatetraenyl, 8(Z)-11-hydroxyoctadecenyl.

α-Tocopheryl means (D)-, (L)- or (DL)-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4′,8′,12′-trimethyltridecyl)-6-chromanyl. Tocotrienyl means any isomer of 2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4′,8′,12′-trimethyl-3′,7′,11′-tridecatrienyl)-6-chromanyl. Retinyl means 3,7-dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl)-2,4,6,8-nonatetraen-1-yl.

The compounds of formula (I) together with acids can form mono- or polyvalent, homogeneous or mixed salts, e.g. with inorganic acids, such as hydrochloric acid, bromhydric acid, sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid; or with appropriate organic aliphatic saturated or unsaturated carboxylic acids, e.g. aliphatic mono- or dicarboxylic acids, such as formic acid, acetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, propionic acid, glycolic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, malonic acid, maleic acid, oxalic acid, phthalic acid, citric acid, lactic acid or tartaric acid; or with aromatic carboxylic acids, such as benzoic acid or salicylic acid; or with aromatic-aliphatic carboxylic acids, such as mandelic acid or cinnamic acid; or with heteroaromatic carboxylic acids, such as nicotinic acid; or with aliphatic or aromatic sulfonic acids, such as methanesulfonic acid or toluenesulfonic acid. Dermatologically tolerated salts, in particular salts with acetic acid and/or lactic acid, are preferred.

The compounds of general formula (I) also comprise the possible isomeric forms as well as mixtures thereof, e.g. racemic mixtures and mixtures of rotamers.

The amino acids mentioned in formula (I) can have an L or D configuration, or represent a mixture of both configurations.

In particular, Thr may also represent the isomeric forms allo-Thr, D-Thr or D-allo-Thr or a mixture of Thr with D-Thr or allo-Thr with D-allo-Thr at the respective position in the sequence.

Among the compounds of formula (I), the following denotations or the following groups of compounds, respectively, are preferred, wherein

-   R¹ represents hydrogen, —C(O)—R⁷, —SO₂—R⁷, —C(O)—OR⁷ or     —C(O)—N(R⁷)₂, preferably wherein R¹ represents hydrogen, —C(O)—R⁷ or     —SO₂—R⁷, preferably hydrogen or —C(O)—R⁷ -   R² represents, independent of one another, hydrogen or methyl -   R³, R⁶ represent, independent of one another, —(CH₂)_(q)—N(R¹)R⁸,     preferably, independent of one another, —(CH₂)_(q)—NH₂. -   R⁴, R⁵ represent, independent of one another, —CH₂—OR⁸, —CH(CH₃)OR⁸     or —CH₂—CH₂—OR⁸, preferably, independent of one another, —CH₂—OH,     —CH(CH₃)OH or —CH₂—CH₂—OH, -   R⁷ preferably represents hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, n-butyl,     n-pentyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, n-nonyl, n-undecanyl,     n-dodecanyl, n-tridecanyl, n-tetradecanyl, n-pentadecanyl,     n-hexadecanyl, n-heptadecanyl, n-octadecanyl or n-nonadecanyl,     isopropyl, tert.butyl, isobutyl, sec.butyl, isoamyl, phenyl,     t-butylphenyl, tolyl, 1- or 2-naphthyl, perfluorobutyl,     pentadecafluoroheptyl, (+)- or (-)-bornan-2-onyl, 8(Z)-heptadecenyl,     8(Z),11(Z)-heptadecadienyl, 4(Z),7(Z),10(Z),13(Z)-nonadecatetraenyl     or 8(Z)-11-hydroxyoctadecenyl, 1,2-dithiolanyl or C₁-C₁₉-alkyl     substituted with amino in ω position, or phenyl optionally     substituted with methyl, amino or halogen in ortho- and/or para     position, preferably R⁷ as a part of XR⁷ represents hydrogen,     methyl, ethyl and/or R⁷ as a part of R¹ represents an alkyl residue     with 14 to 17 C atoms. -   R⁸ represents hydrogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl or —C(O)—R⁷, preferably hydrogen     or methyl. -   X represents oxygen, —NH—, preferably oxygen, -   XR⁷, with X=O, also represents the esters of α-tocopherol,     tocotrienol or retinol or the carboxylic acid (with R⁷=H),     preferably the carboxylic acid, -   m, n, p represent, independent of one another, zero or 1, and -   q in R³ and R⁶ represents, independent of one another, the integer     1, 2, 3 or 4. -   R⁷—C(O)— most preferably represents the residue of a saturated or     unsaturated fatty acid with 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 or 18 C atoms,     preferably the corresponding residue of a saturated fatty acid,     preferably the corresponding residue of caprylic acid     [CH₃—(CH₂)₆—C(O)—], lauric acid [CH₃—(CH₂)₁₀—C(O)—], myristic acid     [CH₃—(CH₂)₁₂—C(O)—], palmitic acid [CH₃—(CH₂)₁₄—C(O)—] and/or     stearic acid [CH₃—(CH₂)₁₆—C(O)—].

Representative examples of compounds of formula (I) are listed in Table 5 (after Example 7).

The compounds of the present invention can be manufactured according to methods known per se in peptide chemistry. The preferred procedure comprises fully assembling the compound of the present invention, e.g. a compound of formula (I), optionally splitting off the remaining protective group(s) and optionally acylating a free amino group and/or converting the obtained compound into an acid addition salt and/or an obtained acid addition salt into the corresponding conjugate base or into another salt.

The compounds of the present invention can be used for the preparation of a dermopharmaceutically and/or cosmetically active composition. Such compositions contain an effective quantity of at least one compound of the present invention or a salt thereof, in the range from 0.5 ppm to 5,000 ppm (w/w), preferably between 1 ppm and 1000 ppm (w/w), calculated on the weight of the compound of the present invention and of the bulking agent(s). The compounds of the present invention can be used as a solution, a dispersion, an emulsion or encapsulated in carriers, such as e.g. in macro-, micro- or nanocapsules, in liposomes or chylomicrons, or enclosed in macro-, micro- or nanoparticles or in microfungi or adsorbed on powdered organic polymers, talc, bentonite and further inorganic carriers.

The compounds of the present invention can be used in any galenic form, such as emulsions, milks, lotions, ointments, gelatinous and viscous, lifting and emulsifying polymers, pomades, shampoos, soaps, gels, powders, sticks, sprays, body oils, face masks or a plaster for transdermal application.

The compounds of the present invention can be used with any further, commonly used ingredient, such as extraction lipids and/or synthetic lipids, gelatinous and viscous, lifting and emulsifying polymers, water- or fat-soluble active agents, plant extracts, tissue extracts, marine extracts, sun-protective agents, antioxidants, water-retaining and barrier substances as well as skin-revitalizing agents.

The compounds of the present invention are used in cosmetic applications to enhance wound healing and hydration, and in all skin care products, in particular against the formation and aggravation of wrinkles and against all consequences of natural or accelerated (sun rays, pollution) skin aging.

The compounds of the present invention as well as the cosmetic and dermopharmaceutical compositions containing same can be used for the preparation of a drug to promote wound healing and hydration, and for all skin care products, in particular against the formation and aggravation of wrinkles and against all consequences of natural or accelerated (sun rays, pollution) skin aging.

The present invention also relates to a method for delaying or treating skin aging, in particular wrinkle formation, which comprises the application on the skin of a compound of the present invention. Analogously, the present invention relates to a method for accelerating wound healing and/or improving skin hydration, which comprises the application on the skin of a compound of the present invention.

The following examples illustrate the invention without limiting its scope. The following abbreviations are used in the text and in Examples 1-7:

-   AcOH: Acetic acid -   Boc: tert.-Butyloxycarbonyl -   Dab: 2,4-Diaminobutyric acid -   Dap: 2,3-Diaminopropionic acid -   DBU: 1,8-Diazabicyclo[5,4,0]undec-7-ene(1,5-5) -   DIPEA: Diisopropylethylamine -   DMEM: Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium -   Et: Ethyl -   FCS: Fetal Calf Serum -   HSe: Homoserine -   Hyp: Hydroxyproline -   Gly: Glycine -   Lipoyl: α-D,L-Lipoic acid -   Me: Methyl -   MEM: Minimal Essential Medium -   N-Me-Ser: N-Methyl-Serine -   N-Me-Thr: N-Methyl-Threonine -   NMM: N-Methylmorpholine -   Orn: Ornithine -   Palm: Palmitoyl -   PBS: Phosphate buffered saline -   Pr: Propyl -   RT: Room temperature -   TBTU:     O-(Benzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluronium-tetrafluoroborate -   tBu: t-Butyl -   TFA: Trifluoroacetic acid -   TGF-β(beta)1: Transforming Growth Factor-beta(β)

EXAMPLE 1 Determination of the Stimulation of Collagen Synthesis Type I+III in Fibroblast Cell Cultures (ATCC CCL110) by Treatment with the Oligopeptide Derivatives of the Present Invention

Method:

The collagen I and III content in fibroblasts is measured with the Sirius Red microassay. The quantitative determination of collagen is carried out after 24 hours of incubation with the corresponding oligopeptide derivatives. The extracellularly accumulated collagen is determined. Vitamin C and TGF-beta-1 are used as positive controls.

Method:

ATCC CCL110 fibroblasts are incubated in culture medium at a density of approx. 125,000 cells/well in 6-well cell culture plates for 2 days (37° C./5% CO₂). Afterwards, the medium is discarded and washed twice with PBS, whereupon 1 ml of test medium with corresponding test substances is added. After incubation with test substance under culture conditions (37° C./5% CO₂) for further 24 hours, the extracellular collagen is measured with the Sirius Red assay.

Sirius Red Assay Extracellular:

After the incubation period, the total volume of test medium (1 ml) is transferred into a flat-bottom 24-well plate and dried overnight at 55° C. The samples are fixed with 1 ml/well of Bouin's fluid for 1 hour at room temperature (RT). The fixing solution is discarded and the plates are washed 2-3 times with water. After drying of the plates, 1 ml of Sirius Red dye reagent is added.

The samples are shaken for 1 hour at RT on a microplate agitator at moderate intensity. Afterwards, the Sirius Red dye reagent is discarded and the plates are washed with 0.01N HCl. The tinted material is dissolved in 0.3 ml of 0.1N NaOH solution and shaken on a microplate agitator for 1 hour at RT.

200 μl of solution is transferred into a flat-bottom 96-well plate and the optical density is measured at 540 nm against 0.1N NaOH solution as the blank.

Material:

Culture medium: MEM+10% FCS+100 IU/ml penicillin+0.1 mg/ml streptomycin+1 mM non essential amino acids+1 mM Na-pyruvate+2 mM L-glutamine.

Test medium: DMEM without phenol red (AMIMED)+100 IU/ml penicillin+0.1 mg/ml streptomycin+80 μg/ml beta(β)-aminopropionitrile.

Dilution of the Substances:

Vitamin C 100 mM (SIGMA A4034) is diluted to 50 μg/ml in the test medium.

Transforming growth factor TGFβ1 1 μg/ml (SIGMA T1654) is diluted to 0.1 ng/ml in the test medium.

The oligopeptide derivatives of the present invention are prepared in a regular concentration of 10 mM and diluted to 50 μM in the test medium.

Reagents for the Sirius Red Microassay:

Sirius Red F3BA dye reagent as the stock solution 1 mg/ml in saturated aqueous picric acid solution. Bouin's fluid: 15 ml of saturated aqueous picric acid solution+5 ml of formaldehyde+1 ml of acetic acid. The results are shown in Table 1. TABLE 1 Results, quantitative determination of collagen type I + III after 24 hours: Test substance at a concentration of 50 μM except where otherwise stated Extracellular Control without active 100% TGFβ1 0.1 ng/ml 115% Vitamin C 128% H-Dab-Ser-OH × 2 TFA 131% H-Lys-allo-Thr-allo-Thr-Lys-Ser-OH × 3 AcOH 139% H-Lys-Thr-allo-Thr-Lys-Ser-OH × 3 AcOH 134% H-Lys-Thr-Thr-Dab-Ser-OH × 3 AcOH 137% Lipoyl-Lys (Lipoyl)-Thr-Thr-Lys (Lipoyl)-Ser-OH 162% Palm-Lys-Thr-Ser-Lys-Ser-OH 128%

EXAMPLE 2 Determination of the Fibronectin Content after Treatment with the Oligopeptide Derivatives of the Present Invention

Method:

The fibronectin (laminin or collagen VII) content in the fibroblast cells is determined by immuno-dot blotting. Cultivation and incubation of the cells are carried out in the same way as described in Example 1. Afterwards, the cells are lysed and the lysates (0.5 ml) are blotted on a nitrocellulose sheet in a prepared bio-dot device. The sheets are then incubated with a specific primary antibody to human fibronectin according to the western blotting method. A conjugate with alkaline phosphatase is used as the secondary antibody. The intensity of the bands is visually determined semi-quantitatively after dying and stopping of the reaction. The results are shown in Table 2. TABLE 2 Results, quantitative determination of fibronectin (or laminin V or collagen type VII) after 24 hours of incubation: Extracellular Test substance, at a concentration of 50 μM (relative dyeing except where otherwise stated intensity) Control without active ++ TGFβ1 0.1 ng/ml ++ Vitamin C +++(+) H-Dab-Ser-OH × 2 TFA ++++ H-Lys-allo-Thr-allo-Thr-Lys-Ser-OH × 3 AcOH ++++ H-Lys-Thr-Thr-Dab-Ser-OH × 3 AcOH ++++ H-Lys-Thr-allo-Thr-Lys-Ser-OH × 3 AcOH +++(+) Lipoyl-Lys (Lipoyl)-Thr-Thr-Lys (Lipoyl)-Ser-OH ++++++ Palm-Lys-Thr-Ser-Lys-Ser-OH +++(+)

EXAMPLE 3 Formulation of an Ointment

Method:

Ingredients 1-5 (A) are heated to 70° C. Ingredients 6-7 (B) are heated to 75° C. Under stirring B is added to A, cooled to 50° C., homogenized and cooled to 30° C. Afterwards, ingredients 8-9 (C) and ingredient 10 (D) are added one after the other and stirred cold. The formulations are shown in Table 3. TABLE 3 Number Ingredient % w/w 1 (A) Tego Care 450 3.00 2 Cetearylalcohol 2.25 3 Glycerylstearate 2.25 4 Cetiol 868 10.00 5 Squalane 5.00 6 (B) Deionized water 66.995 7 Sodium hyaluronate 5.00 8 (C) Glycerin 5.00 9 Phenonip 0.5 10 (D) Octyl-1-SO₂-Lys-Ser-Ser-Dab-Ser-OH 0.005

EXAMPLE 4 Formulation of a Gel

Method:

Ingredients 2-6 (A) are dissolved one after the other in deionized water. After adjusting the pH to 6.0 with ingredient 7 (B), ingredient 8 (C) is added. The formulations are shown in Table 4. TABLE 4 Number Ingredient % w/w 1 (A) Deionized water 92.095 2 1,3-Butanediol 5.00 3 Phenonip 0.50 4 Abil B 8843 1.50 5 Carboxymethyl Cellulose 0.15 6 Carbopol Ultrez 10 0.75 7 (B) NaOH 8 (C) Octyl-SO₂-Lys-Ser-Ser-Lys-Ser-OH 0.005

EXAMPLES 5-7

The following embodiments 5-7 describe the synthesis of the compounds of formula (I) of the present invention and of salts of such compounds. The eluates and products obtained according to the examples are analysed using proton NMR, HPLC-electrospray MS or elementary analysis. The compounds can be manufactured according to known methods described hereinafter (general instructions from M. Bodanszky “The Practice of Peptide Synthesis”, Springer, 2^(nd) Edition, 1994). Accordingly, the amino acid, e.g. serine, is bound to a resin at the carboxy terminal end in a solid-phase synthesis, whereby its amino group is protected by a protective group, e.g. by the Fmoc protective group. The side chain is protected with, e.g., Boc or t-butyl. If necessary, the protective groups are selectively split off in order to link up the further amino acid derivatives with the reagents commonly used in peptide synthesis until the desired chain is completely built up. Afterwards, the peptide or peptide analog, respectively, is split off from the resin at the carboxy terminal end and this carboxy terminal end is connected with varying C(O)—R⁷, SO₂—R⁷, C(O)—OR⁷ or C(O)—N(R⁷)₂ residues, whereupon the protective groups are removed.

EXAMPLE 5 H-Lys-Thr-Ser-Orn-Ser×3 TFA

Synthesis of H-Lys(Boc)-Thr(tBu)-Ser(tBu)-Orn(Boc)-Ser(tBu)-OH×TFA (5a):

In a typical solid-phase synthesis protocol, the pentapeptide is obtained by repetitive coupling of 18.7 g (14.0 mmol, charge: 0.75 mmol/g) of commercial H-Ser(tBu)-chlorotrityl resin with 16.8 mmol of the amino acids Fmoc-Orn(Boc)-OH, Fmoc-Thr(tBu)-OH (2×), Fmoc-Lys(Boc)-OH, 18 mmol TBTU, 33.6 mmol collidin and unblocking with 1% DBU in DMF (2×5 min), splitting from the resin with 1% TFA in dichloromethane and purification over Sephadex LH20®, yield: 9.3 g (64%).

Synthesis of H-Lys-Thr-Ser-Orn-Ser-OH×3TFA (5b):

9.3 g of 5a is stirred for 1 hour at RT in a mixture composed of 59 ml of TFA, 1.25 ml of water and 1.25 ml of triisopropylsilan. After reduction to ⅓ of the volume, precipitation with diethylether is carried out, yield: 6.0 g (76%).

EXAMPLE 6

Synthesis of CH₃—(CH₂)₇—SO₂-Lys-Thr-Ser-Orn-Ser×2 TFA (6):

2 g (2.2 mmol) of 5a is dissolved in DMF (20 ml) and stirred with 0.48 g (2.3 mmol) of 1-octanesulfochloride and 0.48 g (4.0 mmol) of DIPEA for 10 h at RT. After evaporation of the solvent, the crude product is stirred with 59 ml of TFA, 1.25 ml of water and 1.25 ml of triisopropylsilan for 1 h at RT. After reduction to ⅓ of the volume, precipitation with diethylether and purification over Sephadex LH20® are carried out, yield: 1.4 g (70%).

The peptide or conjugate can also be protonized with an inorganic acid, e.g. HCl, HBr, H₂SO₄ or H₃PO₄, or with an organic acid, e.g. formic acid, oxalic acid or tartaric acid, leading to corresponding salts of 6.

EXAMPLE 7 H-Dab-Ser-OH×2 AcOH

According to the described solid-phase protocol from Example 5a, the obtained H-Dab-Ser-OH×2 TFA (3.0 g, 6.90 mmol) is analogously transformed in the acetate salt over an ion exchanger, yield 2.0 g (90.0%).

The following compounds can also be synthesized according to the methods described in Examples 5-7: TABLE 5 No Sequence ESI-MS 1 H-Dap-Ser-OH × 2TFA 192.1 2 Palm-Orn-Ser-OH × TFA 458.5 3 Palm-Orn-N-Me-Ser-OH × TFA 4 Palm-Dab-Ser-OH × TFA 444.3 5 Laurinoyl-Lys-Ser-OH × TFA 416.5 6 Palm-Lys-Ser-OH × TFA 472.7 7 Oleoyl-Lys-Ser-OH × TFA 498.6 8 Palm-Lys-Thr-Thr-Dap-Ser-OH × 2AcOH 760.8 9 Palm-Lys-Thr-Thr-Dab-Ser-OH × 2AcOH 775.0 10 Laurinoyl-Lys-Thr-Thr-Orn-Ser-OH × 2AcOH 732.8 11 Myristinoyl-Lys-Thr-Thr-Orn-Ser-OH × 2AcOH 760.8 12 Stearinoyl-Lys-Thr-Thr-Orn-Ser-OH × 2AcOH 817.1 13 Palmitoleinoyl-Lys-Thr-Thr-Orn-Ser-OH × 2AcOH 787.1 14 Oleoyl-Lys-Thr-Thr-Orn-Ser-OH × 2AcOH 815.0 15 Eicosaenoyl-Lys-Thr-Thr-Orn-Ser-OH × 2AcOH 843.1 16 Palm-Lys-Thr-Thr-Orn-Thr-OH × 2AcOH 803.1 17 Palm-Lys-Ser-Ser-Orn-Ser-OH × 2AcOH 761.0 18 Octadecyl-NH-C(O)-Lys-Ser-Ser-Orn-Ser-OH × 2AcOH 846.1 19 Hexadecyl-NH-C(O)-Lys-Ser-Ser-Orn-Ser-OH × 2AcOH 818.1 20 Tetradecyl-NH-C(O)-Lys-Ser-Ser-Orn-Ser-OH × 2AcOH 790.1 21 Palm-Lys-Thr-Thr-Orn-Ser-OH × 2AcOH 788.9 22 Palm-Lys-Thr-Thr-Orn-N-Me-Ser-OH × 2AcOH 23 Palm-Lys-Thr-Thr-N-Me-Orn-Ser-OH × 2AcOH 24 Palm-Lys-Thr-N-Me-Thr-Orn-Ser-OH × 2AcOH 25 Palm-Lys-N-Me-Thr-Thr-Orn-Ser-OH × 2AcOH 26 Palm-N-Me-Lys-Thr-Thr-Orn-Ser-OH × 2AcOH 27 Palm-Lys-N-Et-Thr-Thr-Orn-Ser-OH × 2AcOH 28 Palm-Lys-N-Pr-Thr-Thr-Orn-Ser-OH × 2AcOH 29 C₈H₁₇-SO₂-Lys-Thr-Thr-Orn-Ser-OH × 2AcOH 726.8 30 C₁₆H₃₃-SO₂-Lys-Thr-Thr-Orn-Ser-OH × 2AcOH 839.1 31 C₇F₁₅-C(O)-Lys-Thr-Thr-Orn-Ser-OH × 2AcOH 946.8 32 H-Lys-Thr-Thr-Orn-Ser-ORetinyl 3 × 2AcOH 

1. Oligopeptides and derivatives thereof, peptide analogs and derivatives thereof, as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts of these compounds, thereby characterized that these compounds correspond to general formula (I)

wherein R¹ represents H, —C(O)—R⁷, —SO₂—R⁷, —C(O)—OR⁷ or —C(O)—N(R⁷)₂ R² represents, independent of one another, H or —(C₁-C₄)-alkyl, R³ and R⁶ represent, independent of one another, —(CH₂)_(q)—N(R¹)R⁸ R⁴ and R⁵ represent, independent of one another, —CH₂—OR², —CH(CH₃)OR⁸ or —CH₂—CH₂—OR⁸, R⁷ represents hydrogen, (C₁-C₁₉)-alkyl optionally substituted once or several times, independent of one another, with halogen, hydroxy, carboxyl, amino, mercapto, 1,2-dithiolanyl, and/or sulfo; optionally substituted (C₁-C₁₉)-alkenyl; phenyl-(C₁-C₄)-alkyl, whose phenyl radical is optionally substituted with amino in the para position; or R⁸ represents H, —(C₁-C₄)-alkyl, —C(O)—R⁷, —C(O)—OR⁷, —C(O)—N(R⁷)₂ or —SO₂—R⁷ X represents oxygen (—O—) or —NH—; or XR⁷, with X=O, also represents the esters of α-tocopherol, tocotrienol or retinol or the carboxylic acid (with R⁷=H), m, n, p represent, independent of one another, zero or 1, and q in R³ and R⁶ represents, independent of one another, an integer from 1 to 4, with the provision that the following conditions do not simultaneously occur: R⁴=—CH(CH₃)—OH and R⁵=—CH(CH₃)—OH and R⁶=—(CH₂)₄—NH₂.
 2. A compound according to claim 1, wherein the following conditions do not simultaneously occur: R⁴=—CH₂—OH or —CH(CH₃)—OH and R⁵=—CH(CH₃)—OH and R⁶=—(CH₂)₄—NH₂; preferably that the following conditions do not simultaneously occur: R²=H and R⁴=—CH₂—OH or —CH(CH₃)—OH and R⁵=—CH(CH₃)—OH and R⁶=—(CH₂)₄—NH₂.
 3. A compound according to claim 1, wherein the residue [R¹(N(R²)CH(R³)C(O)—] is derived from lysine.
 4. A compound according to claim 1, wherein the residue [—N(R²)CH(R⁴)C(O)—] at the position [—N(R²)CH(R⁴)C(O)—N(R²)CH(R⁵)C(O)—] is derived from threonine.
 5. A compound according to claim 1, wherein the residue [—N(R²)CH(R⁵)C(O)—] is derived from threonine.
 6. A compound according to claim 1, wherein the residue [—N(R²)CH(R⁶)C(O)—] is derived from ornithine, 2,4-diaminobutyric acid, and 2,3-diaminopropionic acid.
 7. A compound according to claim 1, wherein the residue [—(N(R²)CH(R⁴)C(O)—XR⁷] is derived from serine.
 8. A compound according to claim 1, wherein the compound contains one of the following sequences: Sequence 1: -Ser-Ser-Orn- Sequence 1: -Ser-Ser-Orn- Sequence 2: -Thr-Thr-Orn- Sequence 3: -Thr-Thr-Dab- Sequence 4: -Thr-Thr-Dap-


9. A compound according to claim 1, wherein the compound contains one of the following sequences: -Ser-Ser-Orn-, Lys-Thr-Thr-Orn-Ser, Lys-Thr-Thr-Dab-Ser or Lys-Thr-Thr-Dab-Ser, as well as the sequences correspondingly derivatized with the substituents R¹, R², R⁷ and R⁸.
 10. A compound according to claim 1, wherein the alkyl in R² and/or R⁸ represents, independent of one another, methyl, ethyl and propyl, preferably methyl; and in R¹ and/or R⁷ alkyl has 1 to 4 or 8 to 22 C atoms, preferably 1 or 2, or 14 to 17 C atoms, respectively.
 11. Compounds according to claim 1, wherein the compounds of formula (I) together with acids form mono- or polyvalent, homogeneous or mixed salts, preferably with inorganic acids, or with appropriate organic aliphatic saturated or unsaturated carboxylic acids, or with aromatic carboxylic acids, or with aromatic-aliphatic carboxylic acids, or with heteroaromatic carboxylic acids, or with aliphatic or aromatic sulfonic acids, preferably with acetic acid and/or lactic acid.
 12. Compounds according to claim 1, wherein the compounds are present as isomeric forms and mixtures thereof, and as mixtures of rotamers.
 13. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R¹ represents hydrogen, —C(O)—R⁷ or —SO₂—R⁷, preferably —C(O)—R⁷ or hydrogen R² represents, independent of one another, hydrogen or methyl, R³ and R⁶ represent, independent of one another, —(CH₂)_(q)—NH₂. R⁴ and R⁵ represent, independent of one another, —CH₂—OH, —CH(CH₃)OH or —CH₂—CH₂—OH, R⁷ represents hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, n-butyl, n-pentyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, n-nonyl, n-undecanyl, n-dodecanyl, n-tridecanyl, n-tetradecanyl, n-pentadecanyl, n-hexadecanyl, n-heptadecanyl, n-octadecanyl, n-nonadecanyl, isopropyl, tert.butyl, isobutyl, sec.butyl, isoamyl, phenyl, t-butylphenyl, tolyl, 1- or 2-naphthyl, perfluorobutyl, pentadecafluoroheptyl, (+)- or (−)-boman-2-onyl, 8(Z)-heptadecenyl, 8(Z),11(Z)-heptadecadienyl, 4(Z),7(Z),10(Z),13(Z)-nonadecatetraenyl or 8(Z)-11-hydroxyoctadecenyl, 1,2-dithiolanyl or (C₁-C₁₉)-alkyl substituted with amino in ω position, or phenyl optionally substituted with methyl, amino or halogen in ortho and/or para position, preferably R⁷ as a part of XR⁷ represents hydrogen, methyl, ethyl and/or R⁷ as a part of R¹ represents an alkyl residue with 14 to 17 C atoms. R⁸ represents hydrogen or methyl, X represents oxygen or —NH—, preferably oxygen, XR⁷, with X=O, represents the esters of α-tocopherol, tocotrienol or retinol or the carboxylic acid (with R⁷=H), preferably the carboxylic acid, m, n, p represent, independent of one another, zero or 1, and q in R³ and R⁶ represents, independent of one another, 1, 2, 3 or
 4. 14. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R⁷—C(O)— represents the residue of a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid with 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 or 18 C atoms, preferably the corresponding residue of a saturated fatty acid, preferably the corresponding residue of the caprylic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid and/or stearic acid.
 15. A compound selected from the group consisting of: H-Dap-Ser-OH×2TFA, Palm-Orn-Ser-OH×TFA, Palm-Orn-N-Me-Ser-OH×TFA, Palm-Dab-Ser-OH×TFA, Laurinoyl-Lys-Ser-OH×TFA, Palm-Lys-Ser-OH×TFA, Oleoyl-Lys-Ser-OH×TFA, Octadecyl-NH—C(O)-Lys-Ser-Ser-Orn-Ser-OH×2AcOH, Hexadecyl-NH—C(O)-Lys-Ser-Ser-Orn-Ser-OH×2AcOH, Tetradecyl-NH—C(O)-Lys-Ser-Ser-Orn-Ser-OH×2AcOH, and Palm-Lys-Ser-Ser-Orn-Ser-OH×2AcOH.
 16. A compound of formula (I), selected from the group consisting of: Palm-Lys-Thr-Thr-Dap-Ser-OH×2AcOH, and Palm-Lys-Thr-Thr-Dab-Ser-OH×2AcOH.
 17. A compound of formula (I), selected from the group consisting of: Laurinoyl-Lys-Thr-Thr-Orn-Ser-OH×2AcOH, Myristinoyl-Lys-Thr-Thr-Orn-Ser-OH×2AcOH, Stearinoyl-Lys-Thr-Thr-Orn-Ser-OH×2AcOH, Palmitoleinoyl-Lys-Thr-Thr-Orn-Ser-OH×2AcOH, Oleoyl-Lys-Thr-Thr-Orn-Ser-OH×2AcOH, Eicosaenoyl-Lys-Thr-Thr-Orn-Ser-OH×2AcOH, Palm-Lys-Thr-Thr-Orn-Thr-OH×2AcOH, Palm-Lys-Thr-Thr-Orn-Ser-OH×2AcOH, Palm-Lys-Thr-Thr-Orn-N-Me-Ser-OH×2AcOH, Palm-Lys-Thr-Thr-N-Me-Orn-Ser-OH×2AcOH, Palm-Lys-Thr-N-Me-Thr-Orn-Ser-OH×2AcOH, Palm-Lys-N-Me-Thr-Thr-Orn-Ser-OH×2AcOH, Palm-N-Me-Lys-Thr-Thr-Orn-Ser-OH×2AcOH, Palm-Lys-N-Et-Thr-Thr-Orn-Ser-OH×2AcOH, Palm-Lys-N-Pr-Thr-Thr-Orn-Ser-OH×2AcOH, C₈H₁₅—SO₂-Lys-Thr-Thr-Orn-Ser-OH×2AcOH, C₁₆H₃₃—SO₂-Lys-Thr-Thr-Orn-Ser-OH×2AcOH, C₈F₁₅—C(O)-Lys-Thr-Thr-Orn-Ser-OH×2AcOH, and H-Lys-Thr-Thr-Orn-Ser-ORetinyl×3AcOH.
 18. A method for the synthesis of the compound according to claim 1, which comprises completely building up the compound of formula (I) by using methods known per se in peptide chemistry, optionally splitting the remaining protective group(s) and optionally acylating a free amino group and/or transforming the obtained compound in an acid addition salt and/or an obtained acid addition salt in the corresponding conjugate base or in another salt.
 19. Use of the compound according to claim 1 as a pharmaceutical, preferably dermopharmaceutical and/or cosmetic active, in particular for increasing the production of collagen and fibronectin in human skin.
 20. Use of the compound according to claim 1 for the preparation of dermopharmaceutically and/or cosmetically active compositions, in particular to enhance wound healing and hydration, as skin care products, in particular to prevent the formation and aggravation of wrinkles and against all consequences of natural or accelerated (sun rays, pollution) skin aging.
 21. A dermopharmaceutically and/or cosmetically active composition that contains at least one compound according to claim 1, preferably in a quantity ranging from 0.5 ppm to 5,000 ppm (w/w), preferably between 1 ppm and 1000 ppm (w/w), calculated on the weight of the compound of the present invention and of the bulk material(s).
 22. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition can be in the form of a solution, a dispersion, an emulsion or encapsulated in carriers, preferably in macrocapsules, microcapsules or nanocapsules, in liposomes or chylomicrons, or enclosed in macro-, micro- or nanoparticles or in microfungi or adsorbed on powdered organic polymers, talc, bentonite and further inorganic carriers.
 23. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition can be in the form of an emulsion, a milk, a lotion, an ointment, a gelatinous and viscous, lifting and emulsifying polymer, a pomade, a shampoo, a soap, a gel, a powder, a stick, a spray, a body oil, a face mask or a plaster for transdermal application.
 24. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition contains commonly used ingredients selected among the group comprising: extraction lipids and/or synthesis lipids, gelatinous and viscous, lifting and emulsifying polymers, water- or fat-soluble active agents, plant extracts, tissue extracts, marine extracts, sun protection agents, antioxidants, moisturizers and barrier agents and/or skin-revitalizing actives.
 25. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is a dermopharmaceutically and/or cosmetically active agent, in particular to increase the production of collagen and fibronectin in human skin, to enhance wound healing and hydration, as a skin care product, in particular to prevent the formation and aggravation of wrinkles and against all consequences of natural and accelerated (sun rays, pollution) skin aging.
 26. A method to increase the production of collagen and/or fibronectin in human skin and/or to enhance wound healing and hydration and/or to delay or treat skin aging, wherein the compound of claim 1 is applied on the skin.
 27. A method for the synthesis of the compound according to claim 15, which comprises completely building up the compound of formula (I) by using methods known per se in peptide chemistry, optionally splitting the remaining protective group(s) and optionally acylating a free amino group and/or transforming the obtained compound in an acid addition salt and/or an obtained acid addition salt in the corresponding conjugate base or in another salt.
 28. Use of the compound according to claim 15 as a pharmaceutical, preferably dermopharmaceutical and/or cosmetic active, in particular for increasing the production of collagen and fibronectin in human skin.
 29. Use of the compound according to claim 15 for the preparation of dermopharmaceutically and/or cosmetically active compositions, in particular to enhance wound healing and hydration, as skin care products, in particular to prevent the formation and aggravation of wrinkles and against all consequences of natural or accelerated (sun rays, pollution) skin aging.
 30. A dermopharmaceutically and/or cosmetically active composition that contains at least one compound according to claim 15, preferably in a quantity ranging from 0.5 ppm to 5,000 ppm (w/w), preferably between 1 ppm and 1000 ppm (w/w), calculated on the weight of the compound of the present invention and of the bulk material(s).
 31. A composition according to claim 15, wherein the composition can be in the form of a solution, a dispersion, an emulsion or encapsulated in carriers, preferably in macrocapsules, microcapsules or nanocapsules, in liposomes or chylomicrons, or enclosed in macro-, micro- or nanoparticles or in microfungi or adsorbed on powdered organic polymers, talc, bentonite and further inorganic carriers.
 32. A composition according to claim 15, wherein the composition can be in the form of an emulsion, a milk, a lotion, an ointment, a gelatinous and viscous, lifting and emulsifying polymer, a pomade, a shampoo, a soap, a gel, a powder, a stick, a spray, a body oil, a face mask or a plaster for transdermal application.
 33. A composition according to claim 15, wherein the composition contains commonly used ingredients selected among the group comprising: extraction lipids and/or synthesis lipids, gelatinous and viscous, lifting and emulsifying polymers, water- or fat-soluble active agents, plant extracts, tissue extracts, marine extracts, sun protection agents, antioxidants, moisturizers and barrier agents and/or skin-revitalizing actives.
 34. A composition according to claim 15, wherein the composition is a dermopharmaceutically and/or cosmetically active agent, in particular to increase the production of collagen and fibronectin in human skin, to enhance wound healing and hydration, as a skin care product, in particular to prevent the formation and aggravation of wrinkles and against all consequences of natural and accelerated (sun rays, pollution) skin aging.
 35. A method to increase the production of collagen and/or fibronectin in human skin and/or to enhance wound healing and hydration and/or to delay or treat skin aging, wherein a compound of claim 15 is applied on the skin.
 36. A method for the synthesis of the compound according to claim 16, which comprises completely building up the compound of formula (I) by using methods known per se in peptide chemistry, optionally splitting the remaining protective group(s) and optionally acylating a free amino group and/or transforming the obtained compound in an acid addition salt and/or an obtained acid addition salt in the corresponding conjugate base or in another salt.
 37. Use of the compound according to claim 16 as a pharmaceutical, preferably dermopharmaceutical and/or cosmetic active, in particular for increasing the production of collagen and fibronectin in human skin.
 38. Use of the compound according to claim 16 for the preparation of dermopharmaceutically and/or cosmetically active compositions, in particular to enhance wound healing and hydration, as skin care products, in particular to prevent the formation and aggravation of wrinkles and against all consequences of natural or accelerated (sun rays, pollution) skin aging.
 39. A dermopharmaceutically and/or cosmetically active composition that contains at least one compound according to claim 16, preferably in a quantity ranging from 0.5 ppm to 5,000 ppm (w/w), preferably between 1 ppm and 1000 ppm (w/w), calculated on the weight of the compound of the present invention and of the bulk material(s).
 40. A composition according to claim 16, wherein the composition can be in the form of a solution, a dispersion, an emulsion or encapsulated in carriers, preferably in macrocapsules, microcapsules or nanocapsules, in liposomes or chylomicrons, or enclosed in macro-, micro- or nanoparticles or in microfungi or adsorbed on powdered organic polymers, talc, bentonite and further inorganic carriers.
 41. A composition according to claim 16, wherein the composition can be in the form of an emulsion, a milk, a lotion, an ointment, a gelatinous and viscous, lifting and emulsifying polymer, a pomade, a shampoo, a soap, a gel, a powder, a stick, a spray, a body oil, a face mask or a plaster for transdermal application.
 42. A composition according to claim 16, wherein the composition contains commonly used ingredients selected among the group comprising: extraction lipids and/or synthesis lipids, gelatinous and viscous, lifting and emulsifying polymers, water- or fat-soluble active agents, plant extracts, tissue extracts, marine extracts, sun protection agents, antioxidants, moisturizers and barrier agents and/or skin-revitalizing actives.
 43. A composition according to claim 16, wherein the composition is a dermopharmaceutically and/or cosmetically active agent, in particular to increase the production of collagen and fibronectin in human skin, to enhance wound healing and hydration, as a skin care product, in particular to prevent the formation and aggravation of wrinkles and against all consequences of natural and accelerated (sun rays, pollution) skin aging.
 44. A method to increase the production of collagen and/or fibronectin in human skin and/or to enhance wound healing and hydration and/or to delay or treat skin aging, wherein a compound of claim 16 is applied on the skin.
 45. A method for the synthesis of the compound according to claim 17, which comprises completely building up the compound of formula (I) by using methods known per se in peptide chemistry, optionally splitting the remaining protective group(s) and optionally acylating a free amino group and/or transforming the obtained compound in an acid addition salt and/or an obtained acid addition salt in the corresponding conjugate base or in another salt.
 46. Use of the compound according to claim 17 as a pharmaceutical, preferably dermopharmaceutical and/or cosmetic active, in particular for increasing the production of collagen and fibronectin in human skin.
 47. Use of the compound according to claim 17 for the preparation of dermopharmaceutically and/or cosmetically active compositions, in particular to enhance wound healing and hydration, as skin care products, in particular to prevent the formation and aggravation of wrinkles and against all consequences of natural or accelerated (sun rays, pollution) skin aging.
 48. A dermopharmaceutically and/or cosmetically active composition that contains at least one compound according to claim 17, preferably in a quantity ranging from 0.5 ppm to 5,000 ppm (w/w), preferably between 1 ppm and 1000 ppm (w/w), calculated on the weight of the compound of the present invention and of the bulk material(s).
 49. A composition according to claim 17, wherein the composition can be in the form of a solution, a dispersion, an emulsion or encapsulated in carriers, preferably in macrocapsules, microcapsules or nanocapsules, in liposomes or chylomicrons, or enclosed in macro-, micro- or nanoparticles or in microfungi or adsorbed on powdered organic polymers, talc, bentonite and further inorganic carriers.
 50. A composition according to claim 17, wherein the composition can be in the form of an emulsion, a milk, a lotion, an ointment, a gelatinous and viscous, lifting and emulsifying polymer, a pomade, a shampoo, a soap, a gel, a powder, a stick, a spray, a body oil, a face mask or a plaster for transdermal application.
 51. A composition according to claim 17, wherein the composition contains commonly used ingredients selected among the group comprising: extraction lipids and/or synthesis lipids, gelatinous and viscous, lifting and emulsifying polymers, water- or fat-soluble active agents, plant extracts, tissue extracts, marine extracts, sun protection agents, antioxidants, moisturizers and barrier agents and/or skin-revitalizing actives.
 52. A composition according to claim 17, wherein the composition is a dermopharmaceutically and/or cosmetically active agent, in particular to increase the production of collagen and fibronectin in human skin, to enhance wound healing and hydration, as a skin care product, in particular to prevent the formation and aggravation of wrinkles and against all consequences of natural and accelerated (sun rays, pollution) skin aging.
 53. A method to increase the production of collagen and/or fibronectin in human skin and/or to enhance wound healing and hydration and/or to delay or treat skin aging, wherein a compound of claim 17 is applied on the skin. 